Hurricane Harvey: President Trump calls for “National Day of Prayer”

In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, U.S. President Donald Trump has called for a National Day of Prayer as he met with Christian leaders in the Oval office. He urged the American nation to offer prayers for the victims of the hurricane. He also pledged one million dollars to help the victims of Harvey.

On September 1, Friday during his meeting with Christian leaders, President Trump said “From the beginning of our nation, Americans have joined together in prayer during times of great need to ask for God’s blessing and God’s guidance. When we look across Texas and Louisiana, we see the American spirit of service embodied by countless men and women.”

The torrential rain, devastating winds and flooding have so far cost at least 40 lives. At least more than one million people have been forced to evacuate their homes in Texas. “We invite all Americans to join us as we continue to pray for those who have lost family members and friends, and for those who are suffering from this great crisis,” President Trump said.

“And behind me, we have faith-based people who are highly respected, and especially so in their communities where they’re not only respected, but they’re loved — evangelical leaders, Christian leaders many people of faith.

And I just want to thank you all for being with us today because we’re going to be signing a Day of Prayer, and that will be on Sunday. It will be a very special day. And I don’t know when this was done last, but it’s been a longtime coming. It’s been a longtime coming,” President Trump told the Christian leaders.